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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I grew up in a Christian home but when I got out into the world and began to interact with Christians I was disappointed to see that many do not live in a manner that brings glory to Jesus. Can a hypocritical Christian really belong to Jesus? -- H.C.

A: Christians are imperfect, and some who claim to follow Jesus are far from His teaching. We cannot let hypocrisy divert us or keep us from Christ. Christians will sometimes falter in their walk with Christ but Christ never falters. We must not put our trust in people. The object of our faith is in Christ alone.

People will disappoint us, but Christ never brings disappointment. Grow in Him not by following people, but by following His Word -- the Bible. Understand His teaching and examine His life. Don't get sidetracked with disappointment in others. Live your life consistently. This is what He expects you to do as His follower. Do others see something of Christ -- His love, His joy, His peace -- in your life?

Jesus Christ is the complete fulfillment, example, and demonstration of perfection, and He tells us to follow Him. While we will never attain perfection in this life, we are told to walk in His footsteps and strive to please Him in everything we do. This is only possible when we stay connected to the source of all things good. The Bible says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit" (John 15:5). When a true believer stumbles and sins, God's Holy Spirit brings conviction and turns the individual to repentance. This is what restores our souls and clears the way for fellowship with Him.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.